The finalists represent 80 school districts across 21 states and were selected from a pool of 200 applications that the Department received in October to demonstrate how districts could personalize education for students and provide school leaders and teachers with key tools that support them in meeting students' needs.

The Department expects to select 5-10 winners who will receive four-year awards, which will range from $4 million to $30 million. The announcement of the winners is scheduled to be no later than Dec. 31, 2013.

Check out the list of the finalist on the Department of Education’s website and read the press release here.